Key Lime Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars: A heavenly citrus treat made to feed a crowd! Each bite tastes like Key lime pie, but without all the work!
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes Key Lime Desserts a Floridian classic. The graham cracker crust and lime-infused custard are an unbeatable pairing!
Why You Must Make
- It’s an easy way to get your key lime pie fix without all the work.
- Every bite is a delicious party in your mouth! They’re sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy!
- Even if you don’t have access to Key limes, you can make this with standard limes.
The hubby loves his lemon desserts but gives lime the cold shoulder. Really??? I love, love Key lime pie. The tart and creamy filling in a sweet graham cracker crust is a delightful pairing. But since I cannot justify making a whole pie for myself, I make this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe when I can share them with my girlfriends or neighbors. And bars are easier to transport than a pie.
Expert Tips
- First, you have to track down some of those small Key limes that come from Florida, California, Mexico, or the Caribbean. PRO-Tip: But if you can’t locate any Key limes, regular Persian limes work well. They’re a bit more acidic, but much tastier and fresher tasting than the bottled Key lime juice.
- You will use both Lime Juice (link to juicer) and Zest (link to zester) in this Key Lime Pie Bars recipe. Don’t bother trying to zest your mini Key limes, as it’s much easier to use a standard lime, and you’ll never know the difference.
- The crust is like your basic graham cracker crust. Either buy graham cracker crumbs or make your own by processing full-sized graham crackers in a food processor. Those will be mixed with melted butter and a bit of sugar. This mixture is pressed onto the bottom of your prepared 8 x 8-inch Baking Pan (affiliate link), then baked.
- The Key lime filling is like the typical pie filling, made with juice, zest, egg yolks, and a can of Sweetened Condensed Milk. Mix and spread evenly with an Offset Spatula (affiliate links) over the crust, then bake.
- If serving dinner guests, you may garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime. A berry adds a nice contrast, but it isn’t necessary!
- This Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9 x 13-Inch Pan (affiliate link). You will need to extend the baking time until the center looks set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key limes have thinner, yellower skin and more seeds than standard or Persian limes. Persian limes have a lower pH, meaning they’re more acidic than Key Limes.
Yes, standard lime juice works well in key lime dessert recipes. Since Key limes aren’t available in local markets all year long, and bottled Key lime juice isn’t that tasty (often considered bitter or rancid!), it’s a great substitution.
Yes, they freeze well if wrapped airtight. First, place them in the freezer for about 2 hours, so they’ll be firm enough to wrap. Then wrap well or place in an airtight container.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, but are best if eaten within a month.
Key Lime season is typically from June through September, but they are often imported from Mexico and Central America at other times of the year. Note that key limes are more yellow than green.
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- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream from Your Home Based Mom
- Key Lime Pie
- Key Lime Pound Cake
- Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars
- More of the Best Dessert Recipes
Key Lime Pie Bars
Citrus heaven in every bite. Inspired by Martha Stewart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons finely grated lime zest
- ½ cup Key lime juice (may use standard lime juice)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Whipped cream, Key lime slices, berries to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick foil, if desired. Set aside.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a small bowl. Press evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
- Beat together egg yolks and zest on high speed till very thick, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed and mix until thick, about 3 minutes.
- Add the lime juice and mix on low till combined.
- Spread filling over crust and bake until the filling is set, about 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting and garnishing with whipped cream, lime slices, and/or berries.
Notes
If you cannot find Key limes, standard lime juice is tastier than bottled Key lime juice.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 238Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 138mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g
55 Comments on “Key Lime Pie Bars”
The first time we ever had key lime pie was down in the Florida Keys, it was tooth-achingly sweet! Needless to say, my version is a lot less sweet with a nice, tangy flavour. Your recipe looks similar to mine. Sadly, I don’t make key lime pie as often anymore (it takes sooooo long to juice those tiny limes), but I’ll take this as a sign to revisit that recipe.
It was like you were reading our mind! We are craving key lime pie but your bars are a much easier option and less messy so better for bringing a dish to pass this weekend. Thank you Liz!
These bars taste like we should be in Key West! I couldn’t get Key limes so used fresh squeezed lime juice. Just a bit sweet, however they are delicious and the garnishes make them look very special. I will definitely make them again.
Thanks for letting me know, Darcylynn! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
I made these, and they were super good! A hit at my friend’s BBQ!
I used juice of 1 lemon, 2 limes and topped it off with key lime juice from a bottle. Perfect!
Sounds like a delicious combination of citrus, Sue!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Hubby absolutely loves this and said he’s pay to eat this. This recipe is so easy and it’s full of flavor and isn’t too sweet. Thanks!!! <3
SO glad they are a hit with your hubby! Thanks so much for reporting back!!
The family loved this! The comments I heard were, “That was so good and not too sweet.” “Hon, that was really, really good.” I guess it’s a keeper. One thing to remember, limes don’t give as much juice as lemons so be sure to have enough. I had to use regular limes and it was still a hit.
Love it, Bella!!! I need to put a note in the blog about juicing limes—good tip.
About 25 years ago, we visited Key West and tried, apparently the best Key Lime pie. Unfortunately, it was so sweet we could hardly taste key limes. I have made versions using sweetened condensed milk and it was too sweet as well. I like that your recipe only has the sweetened condensed milk and no extra sugar. I will definitely try this recipe.
How can anyone snub a creamy key lime dessert? IMO there are very few dessert better. These are just beautiful and I’m sure they are as scrumptious as they look.
This would be a very nice dessert for Easter dinner! i’m ready for spring:@)